Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - shower light

Does code require a light over the shower and/or bathtub? The plans I have call for that, but all that I can find that is waterproof are trim kits for recessed lighting. I would rather not use recessed lighting, if possible. If I have to I will.... help!!!!!!!!!

No, you do not need a light in the shower.

I would be surprised if you don't miss it.

If a recessed light is installed, It MUST have a sealed lense.

You could always remove the bulb.

What are YOUR thoughts for lighting?

I like the idea of lighting....The main issue I have is that there is only 8 or 9 inches between the ceiling and the roof decking....so the main issue is the space that the can takes up. the ideal would be finding a low profile fixture......

You will need one "suitable for wet locations". Very important.

can fixture rated for "outdoor" wet locations be used in a shower (indoors?)

The lamp enclosure MUST be sealed, Labled WET location not damp.

There are some cans that have a profile of less than 6" called shallow cans and can be within those specs you have listed.

I wont list them here because it would advertise a company and I can't seem to post a picture....for some reason.

But look around, they are out there and simply put a vapor trim on it which has a gasket seal to make it suitable for that location is your local AHJ determines that requirement.

This area of the NEC can be quite opinionated, clearly recess lights are allowed within this space regardless of the 8' and 3' requirements....but the local AHJ will have to to determine if this is considered within a Damp Location...either way the vapor trim will handle the conversion.

Hope this helps

If you are totally against recessed fixture being installed you could use what I call a "marine" style fixture that would be surface mounted; many have a fairly low profile.

thanks for yoru input, folks. I would prefer to use a surface mounted fixture, like one of the "marine" type items, so that I can insulate the ceiling as much as the space will allow.....but I will check on the low profile cans also. Any thing else I should know?

distances? I know that if I place a light directly above the bathtub/shower, it must be waterproof...but today's question is...If I were to use a regular light, how far away from the tub does it have to be?

and question 2.....for the soaking tub that has no shower, how far away does a "regular" wall sconce have to be?

The wall sconce.. Not above the tub.

You have peaked my curiosity with this shower light.
At pools/tubs. Above 7'6'' no gfci protection. In a shower/tub a sealed lense is required. So tub only would /could be GFCI protected.... Never mind

I'll post this thought in the electrical forum.